The Outlaw Takes a Bride

The Outlaw Takes a Bride
Susan Page Davis
(Shiloh Run Press/Barbour Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1630582593
March 2015/320 pages/$13.99

Johnny Paynter flees Denver to escape being hanged for a murder he didn’t commit. At his brother’s ranch in Texas, where he thought he could take refuge, he finds his brother, Mark—dead. Taking advantage of his strong resemblance to his brother, Johnny assumes Mark’s identity. Soon Johnny discovers that Mark had been corresponding with a widow named Sally in St. Louis, and she’s en route to be a mail-order bride to Mark. Seeing no other option, Johnny makes a fateful decision to go through with the wedding, posing as his brother. But Sally has secrets she's hiding, too. How will a marriage survive with so much deception?

Read an excerpt.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Page Davis is the author of more than fifty novels, in the romance, mystery, suspense, and historical romance genres. A Maine native, she now lives in western Kentucky with her husband, Jim, a retired news editor. They are the parents of six, and the grandparents of nine fantastic kids. She is a past winner of the Carol Award, the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Susan was named Favorite Author of the Year in the 18th Annual Heartsong Awards. Visit her website at www.susanpagedavis.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Susan Page Davis adds an unusual twist to the mail-order bride scenario in this enjoyable historical romance. I can't even imagine living back in the day when settlers were so vulnerable to violence and outlaws. Davis creates sympathetic and likable characters and even though Johnny didn't make the best choice in assuming his brother's identity, I couldn't help but hold my breath wanting everything to work out smoothly! While the happily-ever-after ending is somewhat predictable given the genre, the author provides plenty of obstacles and hold-your-breath moments along the way. A message of faith and trust is seamlessly woven into the story as both Johnny and Sally must depend on God for protection and wisdom. Add this book to your spring reading list. Highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm popping in to join the Hodgepodge today with Joyce, which is always fun!

1. Did you watch The Oscars? How many of the Best Picture nominees have you seen? (American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, Selma, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash)

Do you think actors should use their acceptance speeches as an opportunity to promote their political and/or social agenda? Does that sort of speech make you more or less inclined to change the channel?

I never watch the Oscars. I can't remember ever sitting through more than about ten minutes of the show. Hollywood's glitz and glamour holds no appeal for me. To me, it's just modern-day Babylon. I'm not trying to be harsh or judgmental but it just seems like it gets worse every year.

And no, I don't think the actors should use acceptance speeches - or their celebrity - to promote their agendas. They are actors, not folks with poli-sci degrees. Our country gives them far too much attention and credibility.

Not that I have much of an opinion about it or anything. LOL

2. Speaking of the movies... are you comfortable going to a movie alone? How about dinner in a restaurant (not fast food, but an actual restaurant)? The second half of this question was posed by Carrie who blogs over at It's Not Easy Being Queen. Thanks Carrie!

I don't go to that many movies (I'm sure you're shocked after my first answer! Not!) but I'm not opposed to it. I used to be horrified by the idea of going to a restaurant by myself, but that was in my younger, more insecure days when I thought miscellaneous people would really pay attention and care about some random girl sitting by herself. Now I'm fine with it. I take my book and enjoy my meal.

3. What's the last home repair or home improvement project you had to pay someone to complete? In hindsight was this a project you could have done yourself?

We've been in a major house remodel for years and done most of it ourselves (actually my man does most of the work). We hired some stuff done last year and could have done it ourselves but decided to get it done faster by hiring it out.

4. Have you ever had Indian food? Like it or no? If you're a fan, what's your favorite dish? Have you ever prepared this yourself at home? Is there an Indian restaurant in your current hometown?

I've head a smidgen. I'm not a fan. I don't care for curry. And there are a lot of Indian restaurants around here since central Texas has a lot of high-tech companies.

5. A song that reminds you of your parents?

What a Friend We Have in Jesus was my dad's favorite hymn and always makes me think of him. Several hymns remind me of my mom as well as any song I hear sung by Bing Crosby.

6. The 26th of February is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day. What's your favorite, or one of your favorite, fairy tales? Do you have any childhood memories associated with a particular fairy tale?

I was never a huge fan of fairy tales, although I remember checking out Grimm's Fairy Tales and Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales from the library. They always kind of creeped me out - horrid things happening to people who were foolish or disobedient and then a moral at the end. And the people in them were always weird. I don't know that I ever had a favorite but one that I particularly remember thinking was strange was Rapunzel. Even as a child, I was pretty logical and knew it would really hurt if someone tried to climb up a tower using her hair!

7. What's a problem you solved yesterday?

I don't remember having a particular problem yesterday. Maybe how to stretch dinner since we had leftovers and there weren't quite enough for both of us.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so ready for spring to get here. A little unexpected surgery last week, some really cold weather this week--February can just mosey on down the road as far as I'm concerned!

The Trouble with Patience

The Trouble with Patience
(Virtues and Vices of the Old West)
Maggie Brendan
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800722647
February 2015/336 pages/$14.99

Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself.

Despite Patience's desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this "hanging lawman," Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye--and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.

With a keen eye for historical detail and a deft hand at romantic tension, Maggie Brendan invites you to a Montana gold rush boomtown, where vices and virtues are on full display and love is lying in wait.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maggie Brendan is the bestselling author of several books, including the Heart of the West series and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a 2013 finalist for the Published Maggie Award of Excellence, a 2013 finalist for the Heart of Excellence Readers' Choice Award, a 2012 finalist for Inspirational Reader's Choice award, and a recipient of the 2004 ACW Persistence Award in Atlanta. She is a member of the Author's Guild; Romance Writers of America; Faith, Hope, and Love; and Georgia Romance Writers. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, researching for her novels, and spending time with her family. You can follow her at her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, and on Facebook and Twitter @MaggieBrendan.


MY THOUGHTS

Maggie Brendan has created a charming novel with engaging characters in this historical romance set in the Montana Gold Rush. I love the series descriptor, Virtues and Vices, and it is an apt portrayal for this tale that highlights the best and worst of the Old West. Brendan has cleverly sprinkled both vice and virtue aplenty throughout the town, and the challenge lies in determining which character's bent leans more to the wayward path than the straight and narrow. Multiple plot threads add depth to this story. I particularly enjoyed watching the blossoming friendship between Patience and Emily as well as the relational struggles and interactions between Patience and her mother. Don't miss this satisfying read!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publisshers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Twisted Innocence

Twisted Innocence
(Moonlighters Series)
Terri Blackstock
(HarperCollins/Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310332367
February 2015/ 336 pages/$15.99


Holly Cramer’s past choices have finally caught up to her, but she never expected them to endanger her baby.

Though Holly’s stumbled through most of her adult life as a party girl, she longs to live a more stable life for her daughter. Then police show up to question her about the whereabouts of Creed Kershaw, Lily’s father. She has kept his identity a secret from friends and family—she never even told him about the pregnancy. Now he’s a person of interest in a drug-related murder case.

Determined to keep him out of their lives and turn him over to police, Holly uses her private investigating skills to search for him. But her bravado backfires when he turns the tables and takes her and the baby hostage. As desperate hours tick by, Holly realizes his connection to Leonard Miller—the man who has gunned down several members of her family. Creed claims he’s innocent and that Miller is after him too. His gentleness with Lily moves her, but she can’t trust a man who has held her at gunpoint . . . even if he reminds her so much of herself.

Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terri Blackstock has sold over six million books worldwide and is a New York Times bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of "Intervention," "Vicious Cycle," and "Downfall," as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, Restoration, and Moonlighters. Find out more about Terri at www.terriblackstock.com. and on Facebook and Twitter


MY THOUGHTS

Oh my. Terri Blackstock has brought this series to a magnificent close with Twisted Innocence. I loved the first two books, Truth-Stained Lies and Distortion (click the titles for my reviews), and this one completes the trilogy with Holly's story. Although it can easily be read as a standalone, a thread that began in the first novel and continued in the second continues and is resolved in Twisted Innocence. Blackstock packs this story with action and emotion, and I squirmed when I realized how much I can be like Juliet and Cathy as they assume the worst about Holly. Tension and danger war with hope and redemption in this captivating novel. I couldn't put it down and read it in almost one sitting. Don't miss this book and series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Zondervan Publishers and Litfuse Publicity as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



In Terri Blackstock’s third and final book in her Moonlighters series, Twisted Innocence, readers are in for a story of suspense and redemption. Dangers old and new threaten Holly and her baby, and lives are demanded as sacrifices for love. Through a complex web of mistakes and regret, redemption is the one hope Holly has left to hold on to.

Celebrate the series' final release by entering Terri's Nook giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Nook GlowLight
• The entire Moonlighters series

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 8th. Winner will be announced March 9th on the Litfuse blog.

{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

Deadly Echoes

Deadly Echoes
(Finding Sanctuary)
Nancy Mehl
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764211584
February 2014/336 pages/$14.99

After a youth filled with tragedy and upheaval, Sarah Miller's life is finally settled with all echoes of the past silent at last. She happily calls Sanctuary her home and spends her days teaching at the local school.

Sarah's joy at her recent reunion with her sister, Hannah, and meeting the niece she didn't know she had is too soon interrupted when Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason informs Sarah her sister has been killed.

As she learns more about Hannah's death, the circumstances are eerily similar to their parents' murder. Sarah enlists Paul's help in digging deeper into the murders the police are dismissing as burglaries gone wrong. Paul's concern encourages Sarah's growing feelings for him, but as their investigation peels back the layers of lies almost twenty years old, they get close to uncovering the truth one person will do anything to hide--even if that means coming after the last remaining members of the Miller family.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl is the author of eighteen books and received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. She has a background in social work and is a member of ACFW and RWA. She writes from her home in Missouri where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their Puggle, Watson. Visit her website at www.nancymehl.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Although I didn't read the first book in this series (Gathering Shadows), Deadly Echoes is a stand-alone so I had no problem connecting with it. The opening paragraphs seared my heart and made my heart pound, and I was swept into this tale. Some of Mehl's earlier books, while enjoyable, tended to drag a bit and contain extraneous details, but this book has none of those issues. Mehl balances suspenseful moments and heart-wrenching flashbacks with satisfying relational interactions to produce a compelling story difficult to put down. Now I want to go back and read Gathering Shadows, and I'll be watching for the third book, Rising Darkness, coming in November.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Nancy Mehl and Bethany House Publishers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sabotaged Heart of Adventure Sweepstakes!

In SABOTAGED, the fifth and final book of author Dani Pettrey’s award-winning Alaskan Courage series, Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna experience the high stakes of Iditarod search-and-rescue when Kirra’s uncle, a musher in the race, goes missing.

Kirra and Reef put aside their differences to search for him, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank’s daughter Meg has been kidnapped, and Frank must do the kidnapper’s bidding or Meg will die.

Soon Kirra, Reef, and the entire McKenna family are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl’s life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

To celebrate their epic race, Dani and Bethany House Publishers are pleased to present the HEART OF ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES, and your chance to win one of three marvelous prizes, all closely connected to the story.


This giveaway starts February 2, 2015 and ends February 22, 2015 @ 11:59 pm (PST).

Entry is open to US residents only, age 18 and over. Winners will be selected Monday, February 23, 2015, and announced at DaniPettrey.com.



About the Prizes

GRAND PRIZE:
LUXURIOUS LODGE GETAWAY

During their cross-country hunt for answers, Kirra and Reef stop to rest at a gorgeous mountain lodge in Denali that holds special memories for Reef. This prize offers you a chance to build your own special memories, with a luxurious lodge getaway for two.

Our Grand Prize winner will receive: A $250 gift certificate to Hotels.com, good for reservations at lodges and hotels across the Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, and numerous International locations


SECOND PRIZE:
PALS WITH PAWS DONATION

In the Alaskan Courage series, Kirra is the proud owner of Nanook Haven, a rescue shelter for sled dogs. In real life, animals need rescue as well, and this prize will allow you to give a special gift to support an organization like Kirra’s.

Our Second Prize winner will receive: A $150 donation in your name, to the animal rescue, shelter, or veterinarian of your choice


THIRD PRIZE:
SWEETHEART SURVIVAL SLED

In SABOTAGED, Kirra and Reef take shelter in a snow cave while hiding from a man determined to put them on ice– permanently! Luckily, Kirra has a survival kit, to help them make it through the sub-zero temperatures.
If you prefer a little more romance and a little less suspense in your survival kit, this is the prize for you.

Our Third Prize winner will receive: A $100 value sweetheart survival pack. This gift basket includes double chocolate raspberry cake, smoked salmon, brie cheese and crackers, and a wide variety of gourmet snacks



How to Enter:

Go to http://www.danipettrey.com/heart-of-adventure-sweepstakes/ and complete the entry box, anytime between February 2 – 22, 2015.


Click the cover to read my review of Sabotaged!

Sabotaged

Sabotaged
Alaskan Courage (Book 5)
Dani Pettrey
Bethany House Publishers
ISBN: 978-0764211966
February 2015/336 pages/$14.99

Finally Returned Home, Reef McKenna
Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest Threat

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life--but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

Pettrey is the Winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and Silenced, and new release, Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing's Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves--the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters' faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson. You can find her online at danipettrey.com.


MY THOUGHTS
Dani Pettrey brings her Alaskan Courage series to a satisfying end with the fifth and final book, and I think Sabotaged might be my favorite of the four I've read. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books as they can easily be read as stand-alones. But I guarantee that once you read one, you'll want to catch up on all of them! Each book has focused on one sibling, although all the siblings have had roles in each story, and I'm glad to see Reef finally have his moment in the spotlight, especially now that his rebellious years and bad choices seem to be behind him. Pettrey has upped the danger and suspense with this novel as she weaves the story around the running of the Iditarod. This is definitely a book to read under a blanket with a cup of your favorite warm beverage because the cold seeps through the pages. However, there's a bit of heat as well, due to both the clashes and the sparks flying between Reef and Kirra! A race against the clock had me holding my breath and turning pages faster as the book neared its culmination. Kudos to Dani Pettrey on a captivating book and series. You'll want to own the entire set!


Click the titles for my reviews of Dani Pettrey's earlier books in the Alaskan Courage series:

(I missed reading Submerged and still want to go back and read the opening book of this series.)
Shattered
Stranded
Silenced


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Dani Pettrey and Bethany House Publishers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Where Rivers Part

Where Rivers Part
A Texas Gold Novel
Kellie Coates Gilbert
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800722739
February 2015/336 pages/$14.99
Success too often comes with a price. Juliet never imagined it could be so high.

Dr. Juliet Ryan has devoted her considerable scientific acumen to corporate America, providing safe drinking water for millions--and affording her plenty of perks along the way. It's not the path her estranged father would have her take, but then Juliet finds it difficult to maintain respect for a man she cannot trust. She's on her way up in the world, and she's not going to let anything drag her down.

But when a fast-moving disaster sweeps Juliet into a whirlpool of corporate scandal, lives are at risk--including those of some of the people closest to her. As she scrambles to find answers, Juliet must face her deepest wounds and join forces with the one who has hurt her most in order to expose a far-reaching conspiracy.

Like a mighty river with twists and turns and hidden rocks, this engrossing story will sweep you relentlessly along as it fearlessly explores the seduction of success, the fear of giving up control, and the redemptive power of learning to forgive.

Read an excerpt.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal who investigated the largest cattle fraud case in US history. Her legal experience gives her an insider's view into how people react under pressure. Gilbert explores the complexity of relationships in her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances. The author of Mother of Pearl, she currently lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband. Learn more at her website, www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Kellie Coates Gilbert quickly became a must-read author for me with the release of her debut novel, Mother of Pearl (reviewed here, and she further cemented that with the first book in the Texas Gold series, A Woman of Fortune. (My review of that novel is here.) Once again, she has created a compelling story that kept me rapidly turning pages, and it's not just because it is set in Texas! Authentic characters and an all-too-believable corporate setting bring this book to life and sadly, it is easy to imagine it as a non-fiction rather than a tale woven from Gilbert's imagination, albeit informed by her background as a legal investigator. Thoughts and emotions are expertly portrayed, making the tension palpable not only in the boardroom but in the scenes between Juliet and her father. I wondered at times if the resolution would leave anyone standing. Whether it did or not is a question I will leave for you to discover! Don't miss this captivating story. I'm already eager to see what Kellie Coates Gilbert comes up with for her next novel!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishers as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Series for Youth

Frank Peretti

Frank Peretti, Bill Myers, Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky team up to release “Harbingers," an ongoing series of supernatural novellas published through Amaris Media International. Each author writes as one of four unlikely heroes with a supernatural gift. Together they join forces to defeat growing pockets of world darkness. The first novella, The Call, penned by Myers is now available. It will be followed next month by Peretti’s The Haunted, then Hunt’s, The Sentinels, and Gansky’s The Girl.

Here is a fun introduction and explanation about this series:

In this fast-paced world with all its time demands, the four of us wanted to try something new. Instead of the longer, novel format, we wanted to write something equally as engaging but that could be read in one or two settings – on the plane, waiting to pick up the kids from soccer, or an evening’s read.

We also wanted to play. As friends and seasoned novelists, we thought it would be fun to create a game that we could participate in together. The rules were simple:

Rule #1

Angela Hunt

Each of us will write as if we were one of the characters in the series:
-Bill Myers will write as Brenda, the street-hustling, tattoo artist who sees images of the future.
-Frank Peretti will write as the Professor, a caustic and skeptical ex-priest.
-Angela Hunt will write as Andi, his over-zealous assistant who sees patterns.
-Alton Gansky will write as Tank, the naïve, big-hearted jock whose connection to God carries unique surprises.

Alton Gansky

Rule #2
Instead of the four of us writing one novella together (we’re friends but not crazy), we will write it like a TV series. There is an overarching story line that we’ll plug our own novellas into, with each story written from our character’s point of view.

Bill’s first novella, available now on Amazon and conveniently titled The Call, sets the stage. It will be followed by Frank’s The Haunted in March, Angela’s The Sentinels in April, and Alton's The Girl in May. If we keep having fun, we’ll begin a second round, and so on until other demands pull us away or, as in TV, we get cancelled.

There you have it. We hope you’ll find these as entertaining in the reading as we did in the writing.

Thanks!
Bill, Frank, Angie, and Al

The Call
(Harbingers Book 1)
Bill Meyers
(Amaris Media International)
ASIN: B00T58G7FA
February 2015/596 KB/$3.99
Also available in paperback:
ISBN: 978-0692378335
February 2015/96 pages/$6.99
Five characters--with gifts they do not fully understand-- are mysteriously brought together to battle growing pockets of darkness throughout the world:

Brenda—the street-hustling tattoo artist who sees images of the future.
The Professor—the atheist ex-priest ruled by logic.
Andi—the professor’s brilliant-but-geeky assistant who sees inexplicable patterns.
Tank—the naïve, big-hearted jock with a surprising connection to a healing power.
Daniel—the institutionalized ten-year-old who can see into the supernatural world.

In this first episode, our unlikely team comes together to find themselves helping a student at the mysterious Institute for Advanced Psychic Studies. He will soon graduate and use his finely-tuned skills of lucid dreaming to assist world renown leaders. For him, this is a great honor and opportunity . . . but with some very disturbing strings attached.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Myers holds a degree in Theater Arts from the University of Washington and an honorary doctorate from the Theological Institute of Nimes, France, where he taught. As author/screenwriter/director his work has won over 50 national and international awards, including the C.S. Lewis Honor Award. His DVDs and books have sold 8 million copies. His children’s DVD and book series, McGee and Me, has sold 4.5 million copies, has won 40 Gold and Platinum awards, and has been aired on ABC as well as in 80 countries. His My Life As… series has sold 2.1 million copies. He has written, directed, and done voice work for Focus on the Family’s Adventures in Odyssey radio series and is the voice of Jesus in Zondervan’s NIV Audio Bible. As an author, nearly all of his children's series have made the bestseller list, as well as 7 of his adult novels. He has been interviewed for Good Morning America and ABC Nightly News. Several of his novels are currently under option for motion pictures, including Blood of Heaven, Threshold, Eli, Fire of Heaven, When the Last Leaf Falls, and Forbidden Doors. The motion picture The Wager starring Randy Travis and based on Myers’s novel by the same name, was released in 2009.


MY THOUGHTS

While I generally avoid supernatural fiction as a personal preference, I was intrigued by this series because of the authors involved and the way they are rotating the writing. I read a pdf of this first book and was intrigued by the story. I believe it will appeal to teens and anyone who enjoys a fast-paced tale with supernatural elements. An eclectic group of characters provide plenty of color and personality, and quite a bit of action happens in a short amount of time. Available as both an e-book and in paperback, the short novella length makes this a quick read, encouraging reluctant readers to pick it up. I look forward to the next books in this series.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an electronic copy of this book free from Angela Hunt. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Amish Clockmaker

The Amish Clockmaker
(The Men of Lancaster County, Book 3)
Mindy Starns Clark and
Susan Meissner
(Harvest House)
ISBN: 978-0736957380
February 2015/358 pages/$13.99

Newlywed Matthew Zook is expanding his family’s tack and feed store when a surprising property dispute puts the remodel on hold—and raises new questions about the location’s mysterious past.

Decades earlier, the same building housed a clock shop run by a young Amish clockmaker named Clayton Raber. Known for his hot temper, Clayton was arrested for the murder of his beloved wife, a crime almost everyone—including his own family members—believed he’d committed, even after charges were dropped. Isolated and feeling condemned by all, Clayton eventually broke from the church, left Lancaster County, and was never heard from again.

Now the only way Matthew can solve the boundary issue and save his family’s business is to track down the clockmaker. But does this put Matthew on the trail of a murderer?

A timeless novel of truth, commitment, and the power of enduring love, where secrets of the past give way to hope for the future.


Read an excerpt.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Mindy Starns Clark is the author of many books, which include the popular Smart Chick Mysteries, Whispers of the Bayou, Shadows of Lancaster County, and Under the Cajun Moon. In addition, Mindy’s plays and musicals have been featured in schools and churches across the United States. Visit her website.

Susan Meissner is a multi-published author, speaker, and writing workshop leader with a background in community journalism. Her novels include The Shape of Mercy, named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Novels of 2008 and a Carol Award winner. She is a pastor’s wife and the mother of four young adults. When she's not writing, Susan writes small group curriculum for her San Diego church. Visit Susan at her website: www.susanmeissner.com, on Twitter at @SusanMeissner, or at www.facebook.com/susan.meissner.


MY THOUGHTS

I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, The Amish Groom (my review is here), but somehow missed The Amish Blacksmith, Book 2. Since each novel stands alone, I had no trouble jumping right in and connecting with this third collaborative book between Mindy Starns Clark and Susan Meissner. I truly loved this story. It is clear that both authors blended their unique gifts into a seamless and powerful tale. While I don't know exactly how they approached the project, it is clear that Clark's background writing Amish and suspense novels provides a wonderful setting and plot while Meissner's talent for intertwining a contemporary story with one from the past shines, yielding beautiful and flawless transitions between Matthew's life and that of the mysterious Clayton Raber decades before. The many layers of this multi-faceted story gave me much to ponder, staying with me long after I turned the final page. Don't miss this compelling story of love and forgiveness.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Harvest House as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ACFW February New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Amish Romance:

Keys of Heaven: A Healing Grace Novel by Adina Senft -- Apprentice Dokterfraa Sarah Yoder grows herbs for her tinctures and tries to ignore her matchmaking relatives, but she can't ignore her budding friendship with her neighbor, Henry Byler. Henry has to resist her attraction when his pottery investors decide to market him as Amish-he has never joined the church and doesn't plan to. When Sarah and Henry are called upon to help a runaway, Sarah oversteps her bounds and finds that God knows best how to heal the heart. (Amish Romance from Faith Words [Hachette])

Biblical Fiction:

The Crimson Cord, Rahab's Story by Jill Eileen Smith -- Rahab's gambling husband sells her into prostitution. Then spies infiltrate Jericho and she ends up in league with them. She offers her body for a debt she does not owe-what price will redeem her soul? (Biblical Fiction from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Romance:

Winning Over the Heiress (Heartsong Presents) by Narelle Atkins -- Can Sean Mitchell be redeemed? His new boss, Julia Radcliffe, isn't so sure. After walking out on her a year ago, the bad boy with the surfer good looks is back in her life and determined to keep it that way. It took time and faith, but Sean is finally on the right path. When his past threatens his and Julia's future, can he convince her that love can overcome every mistake? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Secretly Yours: A Riverbend Romance Novella by Valerie Comer -- Chef Lindsey Solberg agrees to cater the church's Valentine's Day fundraising banquet as a favor to her teen sister, but she's shocked to discover the bad boy from her high school days is now Riverbend's youth pastor. Seriously? How could he have changed that much? Nick Harrison has prayed for years for an opportunity to make amends. Now Lindsey's back in Riverbend and won't give him the time of day. What's a guy to do except leave a trail of gifts from a secret admirer? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck -- American heiress Corina Del Rey reignites her career in journalism after a long fog of grief, but her past with war veteran and star rugby player Prince Stephen of Brighton catches up to her. With a little help from heaven and his brother, King Nathaniel II, can they overcome the tragedy of war, move forward, and find love again? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Contemporary Women's Fiction:

The Vigil by Marian P. Merritt -- In Bijou Bayou fleeing an abusive boyfriend, Cheryl Broussard finds work as a Hospice nurse. While reading a dying patient's Korean War love letters, family secrets shatter Cheryl's beliefs about herself and shed light on the reason she first fled her hometown. Can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept a second chance with her family, old friends, and the God she never really knew? (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Where Rivers Part by Kellie Coates Gilbert -- Following in her estranged father's footsteps, Dr. Juliet Ryan is climbing the ladder of success providing safe drinking water for millions, when disaster strikes and she learns this kind of achievement often comes with a very high price. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance:

The Homestead Brides Collection by Mary Connealy, Darlene Franklin, Carla Olson Gade, Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, DiAnn Mills, Erica Vetsch, Becca Whitham, and Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Through nine historical romance adventures, readers will journey along with individuals who are ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and tackling the challenges of nature, the homesteaders are placed in the path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in orchestrating each unique meeting. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Brandywine Brides by Amber Stockton -- A family of bookstore owners has their faith restored and love multiplied in beautiful historical Delaware. Caroline manages a bookstore while her parents would prefer she marry. Grace seeks a missing heirloom book with the help of a questionable young man. Lillian reopens the bookstore in her brother's memory. Will each woman's literature inspired dreams lead her to a man of faith and devotion? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Last Heiress by Mary Ellis -- When the heiress to England's largest textile mills travels to Wilmington to restore cotton shipments during the American Civil War, class distinction, political loyalties, and family feuds guarantee trouble for her new romance. (Historical Romance from Harvest House Publishers)

Romantic Suspense:

Fugitive Trackdown by Sandra Robbins -- A shy Southern librarian and a bounty hunter join forces to track down her father's killer. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey -- Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's Iditarod race, a growing attraction forces aside old arguments. When a girl is kidnapped, Kirra and Reef are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who also threatens to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

Speculative:

Found and Lost (Haven Seekers #2) by Amanda G. Stevens -- Violet DuBay has an opportunity to infiltrate the Christian resistance, but what she learns dents her resolve to turn them in to the Constabulary. (Speculative Fiction from David C. Cook)